Santa Anita Ends Today

After 85 days and 734 races, Santa Anita will put a cap on its winter-spring meet this afternoon.

Before the thoroughbred scene shifts to Hollywood Park on Wednesday, the Arcadia track will present two stakes, topped by the $400,000 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap.

Although it retains its Grade I status, the Capistrano, which is run at about 13/4 miles on the turf, has lost significance in recent years and the field for the 2002 renewal is not particularly strong.

Cagney, who finished fifth when tried on the dirt for only the second time in his career in the Santa Anita Handicap on March 2, could be the one to beat, getting back on his preferred surface.

Continental Red, a consistent performer for owner-breeders Wes and Susan Fitzpatrick and trainer Ian Jory, will attempt to become the 14th horse to win both the San Luis Rey Stakes and San Juan Capistrano in the same year.

Single Empire was the last to sweep the two races, accomplishing the feat for trainer Neil Drysdale in 1999.

Race of the day: Quality sprinter Swept Overboard will make his first start of the year in the $125,000 San Simeon Handicap at about 61/2 furlongs on the turf.

Who’s hot: Kent Desormeaux. The jockey won three races on Friday’s card, then added two more victories on Saturday.

Who’s not: Fox Sports. The network’s decision to drop the “Santa Anita Live” program, a fixture for years on its cable outlets, is a bad one. The show has always been well done and it will be missed.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Don’t Ignore Her, Secret Dream and Kimora in the second, singling Run Rate in the third and using Bin Dere Did Dat, Cellular Call, Literal Prowler and Saint Wynn in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/230. Money: Previous day/meet total: $19.60/$1,332.60. Total money bet: $1,448.